The Dishpan Chronicles

The morning of July 17th, I happened to catch a story on ABC News that surprised me. That "A 'Normal' Day in Baghdad" was run at all, on an American network, is highly unusual given the one-sided, pro-war propaganda that has routinely passed as journalism since the Bush occupation of the White House began.

The video shown stopped me in my tracks as not one, but two American citizens, soldiers trapped in the ongoing nightmare of illegal war and occupation in Iraq, spoke honestly and directly to the people at home. It was only later that I discovered ABC News had gotten the film from The Guardian Unlimited.

The original version, shot by British photojournalist Sean Smith, runs for 9:55 whereas ABC's version was edited down to 4:11 and voiced over by one of their reporters. Americans, long used to dogooder, happy crap stories of "our heroes" vs "the evil doers" had to be eased into viewing the truth. I thank Sean Smith for his honest record of what has unfolded since the beginning of the American war against Iraq. See his photo slide show here.

Warning! The three videos about the War in Iraq contain graphic images of combat, the injured, and the dead The soundtrack includes yelling, screaming, and gunfire. Combat veterans should be especially careful.

Sean Smith was embedded with the American 2nd. Infantry Division in Baghdad when he filmed "Inside The Surge". (9:55 minutes)

ABC's edited, voiced over version entitled, "A 'Normal' Day in Baghdad" follows. (4:11 minutes.)

ABC News: Response to "Inside the Surge". (2:01 minutes)

For further reactions to "Inside The Surge" please read A Violent 'Normal' Day in Baghdad and the hundreds of comments left by ABC viewers.

Now for my reaction...

My heart is broken for the six soldiers who died in the Bradley fighting vehicle and their families. My heart is also broken for the Iraqi taxi driver and his family.He was shot for driving. I want to put my arms around the terrified old woman, and make her some hot tea. No one should suffer as the Iraqi people are suffering. No one should suffer as our soldiers are suffering. Our troops are both victims and perpetrators in this Republican war.

I am very proud of and very thankful to Cpl. Joshua Lake and Spec. Michael Vassel for telling the truth. These two heroes courageously spoke for themselves as well as others, and by doing so, have demonstrated loyalty to the Constitution that they have sworn to uphold. I agree, Spec. Vassel, that those who created, implemented, and voted for this war should be there doing 15 month rotations with you. Theirs should have been the first boots on the ground! We need more like you who do not bow to a king.

To Cpl. Lake's mother - I have been through what you are going through. It is terrible. My son is safely home but lives with the nightmares of PTSD. I hope that your son returns to you, and is someday, able to sleep again.

Thank you, once again, Sean Smith for what you did for us, and Thank You ABC News for defying King George.

This last video has been all over the internet, but I included it here anyway, along with my two cents! Thanks to Max Blumenthal for publicly exposing the mindless next generation of Warmongering Republican Chickenhawks.

The following piece is tragic. I am appalled that this ignorant herd of sheep are college students! I am incensed at the arrogant hypocrisy displayed in this gathering of cowards. Like Bush and Cheney, they support wars they have no intention of fighting in - they just start them and stuff their pockets. If you haven't seen this yet try not to get sick.

Young Republican Chickenhawks